Edwin came to Goodwill with the idea that he wanted to better himself and gain employment. Edwin worked with reentry team for career readiness training and job placement services. Edwin was able to obtain employment and is now working a job he loves. Way to go Edwin!
6/7/2024
Owens and Goodwill are partnering to provide enhanced training options for people seeking to improve their workforce training opportunities.
Through a new, customized virtual platform, individuals working with Goodwill will have access to learning experiences at Owens that connect directly to job success. The training courses are possible thanks to both organizations’ premium partner status with ed2go, a national network of online courses taught by experts from a variety of fields.
Goodwill navigators will work directly with community members to find learning experiences tailored to their individual goals. Courses range from employability through customer service, conversational Spanish, business writing and leadership skills, to specific occupational preparation like interior designer, sign language interpreter and maintenance technician. New courses are added regularly.
In order to meet the needs of busy adults juggling family and job responsibilities courses are available entirely online, self-paced and available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. As Goodwill navigators and individuals arrive at specific educational goals, Owens will enroll them and support their journey to completion.
“Owens is excited to work with Goodwill and expand access to education that benefits the local workforce and area employers,” said Charlene Page, executive director of Workforce and Economic Development at Owens. “The need for a highly-skilled workforce is clear to everyone. We are always looking to improve higher education access for adult learners and help them acquire the skills they need.”
Owens and Goodwill have a history collaborating with a focus on workforce development.
“The opportunity to lift up members of our community by working closely with Owens is a natural fit for Goodwill’s Job Connection Centers, where we believe in the power of work,” said David Takats, Chief Mission Officer at Goodwill. “Work helps to eliminate barriers and provides opportunities to improve peoples’ lives.”
For more information the ed2go classes, visit www.owens.edu/goodwill.
Contact:
Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc.
David Takats
Chief Mission Officer (419)-255-0070
dtakats@goodwillnwohio.org
Meet Kevin
Kevin came to Goodwill on a referral from the Ohio Link Halfway House. After meeting with our reentry team, it was clear that Kevin was interested in becoming an electrician. With Goodwill’s guidance, Kevin is currently enrolled in the apprenticeship program and is working part-time in the field, learning more about becoming an electrician. Goodwill is excited to see Kevin blossom in this new chapter of his life. Well done Kevin!
Great job Amy Bach and students!
A big round of applause for the Four County Career Center Guest Services and Skills students who recently hosted their job site partners for the 2023-2024 school year! During the event they also honored the seniors of the program who will be graduating this spring. Goodwill’s Amy Bach worked with participants on job site placement and employment opportunities.
Day 1: Clear Your Closet Clutter If you haven’t worn those jeans, jerseys, or jeggings lately, chances are you won’t. Seize the opportunity to clean out your closet and donate to Goodwill today.
Day 2: Tackle the Kitchen Just 20 minutes spent going through your cabinets can make a world of difference for individuals in NW Ohio.
Day 3: Spread Holiday Cheer Are you holding on to boxes of holiday decorations? Spread cheer by donating your Holiday and Halloween decorations to Goodwill. They will light up someone else’s home for sure!
Day 4: Downsize Your Toys Not sure what to do with your used electronics? Bring them to Goodwill and they’ll find a happy home! Plus, that means waaaay less clutter in your home.
Day 5: Clear Your Office If your office is filled with extra pens or pencils or things that you probably will never use, go through them and give your neighbors a fresh start. They are sure to be put to good use elsewhere and your office will be Martha Stewart neat afterwards. And, we all want that, right?
Day 6: Provide Quality Entertainment Is your house overflowing with unused movies, video games and music media, even some vinyl? Pass along the entertainment by donating to Goodwill today.
Day 7: Downsize Your Bookshelf If you’re guilty of having your old college or university text books in your bookshelf and a whole bunch of other titles collecting dust, go through them and find the ones that you will probably never read again and donate them Goodwill.
There is a great need within our community. Our most needed items are clothes, household items and electronics. Have you always wanted to help but, didn’t know how?
Well, now you can help and all you have to do is look through your home, declutter, downsize and donate to your nearest Goodwill location and you can make a world of difference. Not to mention, you will benefit from the knowledge you are giving someone a fresh start, you’re helping the planet by allowing your items to be re-loved and that your home is much neater too.
Goodwill’s mission is to change lives through the Power of Work. When you donate to, or shop at your local Goodwill you are helping to change lives of individuals and families right here in NW Ohio.
Goodwill has recently unveiled a new service aimed at helping job seekers in their search for employment. The service, called Resumes-on-Demand, will be available through Goodwill’s Job Connection Centers. When the Job Connection Center Navigators are out in the community they will be able to assist job seekers in creating their resumes, printing them, and providing digital copies. This service is designed to make the job search process easier and more efficient for job seekers, ultimately helping them to find meaningful employment. Goodwill’s Resumes-on-Demand service is just one of the many ways we are committed to helping individuals eliminate barriers in their quest for a better future.
Being retired for over 30 years, the last thing Roberta thought she would be doing was to become a participant with Goodwill’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Roberta learned about the program when she attended a presentation at her housing facility. Roberta entered the program and was placed into a position at the Great Lakes Community Action Program, where she became a passenger care attendant. She then was promoted to the Resident Services Coordinator. She has dramatically improved her computer skills, become proficient with general office work, and helps develop programs for residents. Staff and residents alike are extremely fond of Roberta and she enjoys her job. Great work Roberta, Goodwill is extremely proud of you!
Terry came to Goodwill from Toledo V.O.A. and successfully entered the Goodwill Industries of NW Ohio, Inc. transitional reentry program. In addition to his reentry barrier, Terry suffered from medical complications as a result of his stroke. Goodwill assisted Terry with wrap-around services, job development and job placement services. Terry has made a full recovery and is now working full time. Terry stated, “I wouldn’t have been able to get here without the help of Goodwill”. Congratulations Terry!
For more information on how Goodwill’s Reentry Team and other programs can help you: https://bit.ly/_MissionServices
Goodwill Defiance JCC Navigator Amy Bach collaborated with the Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission (NOCAC) Getting Ahead Program to help women in the Defiance area overcome life barriers and gain independence. Getting Ahead students participated in classes that consisted of learning how to handle relationships, the adult, parent, and child voice. Amy assisted the participants with setting goals, career exploration and resume development. Amy was honored to speak at the graduation ceremony on behalf of all six participants on December 12. Congratulations to these remarkable women and Goodwill looks forward to seeing the amazing things you will accomplish!
Meet Christie! Christie has been a client at the Job Connection Center (JCC) since 2019. Since then, she has made many strides. When Christie first came to us, she was at Ohio Link and using the JCC computer lab for her online college classes. She is now enrolled in our Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance program (NOMA), working two part-time jobs, and has a place of her own. Congratulations, Christie, on the progress you have made!
For more information on how Goodwill’s Job Connection Center and other programs can help you: https://bit.ly/_MissionServices
© 2025 Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.